Archives & Records Management

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications:

Ireland and the UK: 2nd class honours, grade I in the primary degree. In exceptional circumstances candidates with a high 2nd class honours, grade II degree will be considered.

Canada and the USA: a primary degree with a grade point average of 3.5

Other: an internationally recognised equivalent of the above

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent. Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/

In applying for this course applicants will have a distinct advantage if they have a good academic record, relevant pre-course experience, good interpersonal skills, acceptable IT skills, evident commitment to work as an archivist or records manager. Pre-course experience does not have to be extensive but should allow applicants to have a good understanding of the work of a professional record keeper.

As the number of places on the course is limited, the allocation of places is on a competitive basis. Apply early to avoid disappointment. A waiting list will also be created.

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

The MA programme is the first step for those seeking to pursue an academic career in archives and records management education. Since programmes were first established in UCD for the education of professional archivists, successful graduates have found work in a wide range of archives, library and corporate positions in Ireland, the UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. A few have embarked on academic careers in the education of archivists and records managers.
In recent years there has been 100% success rate in finding suitable professional careers. However the recent downturn in the economy has had an inevitable effect and its medium term impact is difficult to ascertain.
In Ireland graduates are working in, for example,

•  The National Archives of Ireland
•  The National Library of Ireland
•  Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
•  Chester Beatty Library
•  Irish Architectural Archive
•  Irish Film Archives
•  Guinness Archives
•  UCD Archives and other university archives services
•  Local government archives services
•  Church archives
•  Arthur Cox and Associates
•  The National Treasury Management Agency
•  Records management consultancy services